A humanitarian crisis is looming at Solai Boys High School in Nakuru where hundreds of families displaced after the Patel Dam tragedy are now camping.

The school was closed by the Education ministry on Thursday following the tragedy and has now been turned into a camping site for women, children, the elderly and the sick, whose homes were destroyed or who lost loved ones in the tragedy.

When Saturday Nation visited the area on Friday, hungry, devastated and physically frail residents, a majority of whom are children and women, sat or clustered in groups pondering their future.

Most of them lost their loved ones in the tragedy that rendered more than 500 families homeless.

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Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang, who visited the school to assess the damage caused by the tragedy, found classrooms were flooded and directed its closure.

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He instructed the school’s administration to send the students home. Dr Kipsang said the school will remain closed until further notice.

The survivors are in dire need of relief food and other personal effects.

Among those who have already made donations to the displaced families include Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui, who gave food stuff and clothes.

DONATIONThe county boss said donations will help the victims to cope after the disaster. He said a Paybill (No 10000) had been set up for donations.

“Compatriots, this is painful to all of us. I kindly request well-wishers to intervene and help the families. The government will also do everything within its means to ensure the families are safe,” Mr Kinyanjui said.

When Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa visited to assess the damage, he announced that the ministry had given 800 bags of rice, 400 bags of beans and 100 sachets of cooking oil to the families.

Mr Wamalwa, who was accompanied by Mr Kinyanjui and Rift Valley regional coordinator Mongo Chimwaga, also appealed to well-wishers to help the families with relief food.

Others who visited the families at the school included Baringo Senator Gideon Moi, Kanu Secretary-General Nick Salat and Tiaty MP William Kamket, who also made donations.